The coin in question is a remarkable example of a Seated Liberty Half Dime, specifically minted in Philadelphia in the year 1864. This particular coin is a proof issue, making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors due to its limited production of only 470 coins. Crafted from silver, the 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dime carries a denomination of 5 cents and features a diameter of 15.5 mm. Its weight is approximately 1.24 grams, a standard for this type. The Seated Liberty design, which depicts a female figure seated on a rock holding a Liberty cap and a shield, symbolizes freedom and American ideals during the mid-19th century. With a mint mark of 'P' indicating its origin from the Philadelphia Mint, this coin embodies a key historical era for U.S. currency and is part of the broader series of Seated Liberty coins that were produced from the mid-1830s until the introduction of the Barber coinage in the 1890s. Collectors treasure this piece not only for its exquisite design and historical significance but also for its pristine condition as a proof coin. Given its limited mintage, this 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dime holds considerable value in the numismatic market, making it a prized possession for any serious coin collector or historian.
